You know what’s strange? The way we trip over ourselves to smile with tourists and make sure they enjoy the best service but fail to give the same treatment to our fellow Jamaicans. Everyday, RuJ encounters instances where customer service is either poor or lacking. Today, we share a few of those experiences with you.
August 7, 2012
Coffee Shop
Half Way Tree Transport Ctr
Customer stops by the establishment and orders coffee. Without acknowledging the customer, a worker pulls out a styrofoam cup and begins to pour hot water, tons of milk, and a spoonful of sugar. “If that is my coffee it’s too sweet,” the customer says. Worker gives the customer a dirty look and replies, “Nuh you fi tell me how yuh want it lady!” Customer replies, “Next time, ask the person what they want in their coffee,” and walks off.
May 2012
Restaurant in Negril
Rude Waitress
(As told by a taxi driver)
Taxi driver walks into a restaurant with a Jamerican couple visiting their homeland. He has been the driver/tourguide for the couple for several years and they have built up a relationship. As they take their seats, the waitress approaches the table, and begins to take orders speaking in English to the couple. She then turns to the driver and says, “What you want Sar?” He orders. As they enjoy their meal, the waitress comes to the table several times, checking on the couple, asking if they’re enjoying the meal, and if they need anything else. All the while, she is ignoring the driver, and actually turns her back to him when addressing the couple. Later, the waitress brings the bill to the table and hands it to the couple, who in turn passes the bill to the driver. A look of dismay is on the waitress’ face as she sees the driver is the one paying the bill. The kind-hearted driver still leaves a handsome tip for the waitress, even though his guests expressed to him their disgust with her behaviour.
June 30, 2012
Palace Multiplex
Montego Bay
A small group gathers for the 6pm show and are told that tickets will start selling at 5pm. At 5 o clock, the staff are milling around, and there is no one in the ticket booth. Patrons start getting restless, and voice their concerns. At around 5:05pm, two workers enter the ticket booth and begin to turn on the machines, then realize that the system is down. The cinema manager seems unconcerned, as the line gets longer and the workers, who should have checked their systems before shift, try to sort out the problem. Patrons loudly voice their opinions, and question why the workers did not report to the station before shift time, and if the cinema manager cared any at all. Fifteen minutes after the scheduled time, tickets finally start rolling out.
July 17, 2012
Churches Eureka Rd
Cross Roads Kingston
Customer visits the Small Business Unit and asks to speak to a loan officer, and is told by the security guard that they are all in a meeting. The security guard hands the customer a brochure, however the customer tells him she already has this information but needs to speak directly with a loan officer. She asks what time would be convenient for her to return, or if there is anyone else she could speak to regarding a small business loan. Security guard replies, “Miss, can you read?” Customer is alarmed and replies, “What do you mean if I can read? Telling you I need to speak to someone directly after you hand me a piece of paper means that I can’t read?” The security guard realizing that the situation was about to escalate, now says that is not how he meant it. A senior member of staff passing by intervenes, and directs the customer to his office, and addresses her queries.
August 16, 2012
Downtown Kingston
JUTC Bus Driver
At about 8am, passenger seeking information approaches Bus #10R1601 which plies the #77 route. Driver is busy chatting away, and after several tries the passenger finally gets his attention. Passenger: “Driver where is this bus going?” Driver: “Where you going?” Passenger: “I just want to know where the bus is going so I know what to do.” Driver: “Me say weh u a go? Me a go #77 route.” Passenger: “If I knew the #77 route would I ask you where you going? You’re doing the government’s job, if a passenger asks you a question you answer the question like a decent person. You’re an idiot!” Walks off.